The Veteran's left shoulder dislocation is not productive of more than infrequent episodes and guarding of movement at the shoulder level, warranting a 20 percent rating.,The Veteran's left shoulder DJD is productive of flexion to no worse than 90 degrees and abduction to 60 degrees, with no evidence of ankylosis or dislocation, warranting a 20 percent rating.,The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis is productive of flexion to no worse than 120 degrees and abduction to 100 degrees, with no evidence of ankylosis or dislocation, warranting a 20 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show frequent episodes and guarding of all arm movements for the left shoulder dislocation, which is required for a higher rating under DC 5202.,The Veteran's limitation of motion was limited to above shoulder level (i.e., beyond 90 degrees), with no additional functional limitation due to pain during flare-ups or after repetitive use, warranting a 20 percent rating.,The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5201.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Dislocation, Left Shoulder Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Right Shoulder Degenerative Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20061830
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20061830.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability and scar was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other criteria.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's right shoulder replacement resulted in intermediate degrees of residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion, with flexion and abduction limited to 100 degrees. The claim for a higher initial rating is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right shoulder dislocation and left shoulder dislocation due to a lack of a VA examination and medical opinion in connection with these claims.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
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